Syrian Government Captures Tabqa, Omar Oil Field and Dams as Kurds Withdraw Eastward
Updated (3 articles)
Government Offensive Secures Key Northern Assets On 18 January 2026 Syrian army units, backed by tribal militias, seized the city of Tabqa, the Euphrates Dam, two hydro‑electric dams, and the Omar, al‑Tanak and Conoco oil‑gas fields in Aleppo, Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces [1][2][3]. The rapid two‑day push brought the first state control of major energy infrastructure in years and extended government authority across the north‑east [1]. Video footage geolocated to Raqqa confirmed tribal fighters operating alongside regular troops [1].
SDF Announces Withdrawal to Euphrates East Side Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed a cease‑fire deal that moves SDF units east of the Euphrates and concentrates forces in Hasakah province [1][3]. The agreement, first negotiated in March 2025, calls for individual Kurdish fighters to be integrated into state security structures [1]. The pull‑back follows talks with U.S. officials and aims to end clashes that intensified after the government’s advance [3].
Kurdish Rights Decree Signals Political Shift President al‑Sharaa issued a decree granting full citizenship to Kurds, recognizing Kurdish as a national language and declaring the Kurdish New Year an official holiday [2][3]. The decree marks the first formal acknowledgment of Kurdish rights since Syria’s independence and accompanies talks on integrating Kurdish military and civilian bodies into national institutions [2]. Kurdish leaders welcomed the language provision but warned that implementation must match the promises [2].
U.S. and Coalition Maintain Military Presence Amid Tensions The United States urged restraint, emphasizing a united front against ISIS while continuing air strikes that killed several extremists in the contested zones [1][2]. U.S. Central Command reported casualties from recent attacks, and British and French aircraft joined coalition strikes against Islamic State targets [2]. A U.S.–led coalition delegation visited the de facto Euphrates line to monitor the situation and press for dialogue [3].
Conflicting Reports on Control of Tabqa City CNN reported that government forces captured Tabqa, whereas the SDF publicly denied losing the city, claiming security had been restored after arresting three agitators [3][1]. The divergent statements illustrate ongoing uncertainty over on‑ground control despite satellite and video evidence of government presence [1]. International observers noted the discrepancy but awaited verification from independent monitors [3].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Syrian forces seize Kurdish‑held territory and oil wealth as talks yield withdrawal plan: details the two‑day northern offensive, tribal militia involvement, cease‑fire terms, and U.S. cautions .
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BBC: Syrian army seizes Omar oil field from Kurdish forces: focuses on the capture of the Omar field, the Kurdish language decree, and coordinated U.S., UK, French strikes .
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CNN: Syrian government advances seize Tabqa and Euphrates Dam as Kurds begin withdrawal east of Aleppo: highlights Tabqa and dam seizures, SDF denial, the citizenship decree, and the emerging Euphrates border .
Timeline
Mar 2025: President al‑Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi sign a March agreement granting Kurdish cultural autonomy, citizenship changes and a pledge for SDF units to withdraw east of the Euphrates, laying groundwork for later integration talks [2][3].
Jan 17, 2026: Syrian government forces capture the northern city of Tabqa and the strategic Euphrates Dam, advancing through previously Kurdish‑held areas and seizing nearby Aleppo‑region towns such as Maskanah, marking a major shift in control of water and power infrastructure [3].
Jan 18, 2026: The Syrian army takes the Omar oil field—the country’s largest—along with adjacent gas fields in Deir Ezzor, ending the Kurdish‑led SDF’s primary revenue source and expanding state control over northeast energy wealth [1].
Jan 18, 2026: Government troops, aided by tribal militias, sweep into Aleppo, Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, displacing SDF forces, capturing two Euphrates hydroelectric dams and additional oil sites (al‑Tanak, Conoco), and consolidating state authority over key resources [2].
Jan 18, 2026: A cease‑fire agreement is announced, stipulating that Kurdish forces will withdraw to Hasakah province and be integrated individually into Syrian security structures, while Mazloum Abdi confirms a planned visit to Damascus to discuss implementation [2].
Jan 18, 2026: President al‑Sharaa issues a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language, granting full citizenship rights, and declaring the Kurdish New Year an official holiday—the first formal acknowledgment of Kurdish rights since Syria’s 1946 independence [1].
Jan 18, 2026: The SDF publicly denies losing Tabqa, claiming it has restored security, arrested agitators, and maintains that the city remains under Kurdish control, highlighting competing narratives over territorial control [3].
Jan 18, 2026: U.S. Central Command reports casualties from recent strikes, and the United States, joined by UK and French aircraft, conducts large‑scale attacks on ISIS targets in the area, underscoring continued international military involvement [1][2].
Jan 18, 2026: A de‑facto border forms along part of the Euphrates River as Kurdish forces pull back east of the waterway; a U.S.–led coalition delegation observes the line while Washington urges restraint and dialogue among the parties [3].